North River Fire District: Seat 7

In an effort to better inform voters, TBT invited all candidates for Mosquito Control and Fire District boards in Manatee County to share with our readers, in their own words, why they think they would be the best candidate. Seat 7 in the North River Fire District sees retired fireman James Alderman challenge incumbent Margaret Tusing.

James Alderman:

Let me start by saying that I do not consider myself a politician. I am a retired Captain of 25 years from the North River Fire Department and by election day it will have been one year since retiring.

I believe that anytime an elected body is made up of persons that have worked in the field that they are governing, it gives the board a special insight on how the organization operates in a manner that is impossible otherwise. I have spent the last 27 years (2 yrs volunteer and 25 paid) as a public servant within the fire department and have seen many times where decisions were made with limited knowledge and insight. I firmly believe that had there been said insight, decisions would have been very different.

I have the desire to continue serving the citizens of the North River Fire District, only in a different capacity. If elected I will bring my knowledge to the board when making budgetary decisions in a manner that will not only improve the capacity of the Fire department but keep the cost down. Thank you for your vote, Sincerely James Alderman

Margaret Tusing:

My name is Margaret Tusing and I have had the privilege and honor to serve the North River Fire District for the last 22 years. I am asking for your continued support so that I can serve as your Commissioner for Seat 7 for the next 4 years.

During my time with the District, we have made several improvements to our stations. Station 1 located on 14th Avenue West was reconstructed to provide new living quarters for personnel and expanded Administrative offices. We also purchased additional property and constructed a new facility for Station 2 located on 49th Street East. The new construction included a new station, meeting/training room, and training tower. Additionally, after many years of planning and negotiation, we were able to acquire the property to construct a new Station 6 located on Moccasin Wallow Road. In addition to the construction, we were also able to purchase the necessary equipment and fund the personnel for the station. We are continuing to look at reconstructing existing facilities and have recently replaced several fire apparatus with new vehicles. These apparatus purchases were accomplished in part by the District annually reserving money for vehicle / apparatus replacement.

The District has been successful in keeping our assessment reasonable while maintaining a high level of service and excellent fire and rescue services to District residents. Our District has experienced adversity during the past several years but with the commitment and dedication of District personnel, we survived, became stronger and are moving forward with a committed and dedicated staff and Commission.

I want to take this opportunity to personally thank the men and women of the North River Fire District for providing unparalleled services to our citizens.

To the citizens, I ask for your vote on November 4 so that I may continue to serve you and the District personnel for another 4 years. I do not believe that my work is complete. Whoever you choose to support, please vote early or on November 4.

Thank you for your consideration and hopefully, your support.

Margaret C. Tusing, Commissioner Seat 7